An ex-girlfriend of accused killer Travis Vader told court Tuesday he looked "gaunt and very pale" when she saw him in July 2010, saying she suspected he was using crystal methamphetamine.

Testifying at Vader's first-degree murder trial, Andrea Saddleback-Sexsmith said she dated him from approximately January to April in 2010. He had changed dramatically when she saw him again in July that year after learning he was "wanted" in connection with the disappearance of an elderly St. Albert couple.

"He was not healthy. He was gaunt, he was very pale, he was unkempt," Saddleback-Sexsmith said. "He was also easily agitated."

The Edmonton student testified Vader had been "positive and upbeat" and "fun to be around" at the beginning of their romantic relationship, and was strong and had "meat on his bones."

When she saw him in July, he was groggy, tired and thin. His hair was messy. He was unshaven. She said hugging him was like "hugging a bean pole" and felt "squishy."

Saddleback-Sexsmith said Vader told her he was on the run from police and had been in the bush for four days and hadn't had anything to eat.

She testified she never saw Vader use illegal drugs or appear under the influence of drugs during their time together, but said his change in appearance change led her to believe he was involved in the drug subculture and using meth.

Ex-girlfriend of accused killer Travis Vader tells court she believes he was using crystal meth

An ex-girlfriend of accused killer Travis Vader told court Tuesday he looked "gaunt and very pale" when she saw him in July 2010, saying she suspected he was using crystal methamphetamine.

Testifying at Vader's first-degree murder trial, Andrea Saddleback-Sexsmith said she dated him from approximately January to April in 2010. He had changed dramatically when she saw him again in July that year after learning he was "wanted" in connection with the disappearance of an elderly St. Albert couple.

"He was not healthy. He was gaunt, he was very pale, he was unkempt," Saddleback-Sexsmith said. "He was also easily agitated."